WORK on a £1.5m project to re-develop a town’s museum is likely to begin at the end of this month and has been aided by a landowner who stepped in the buy an adjoining property which was needed for the scheme to progress.

The trustees of Llandudno Museum have long wanted to expand and improve its facilities, but when the next-door property came up for sale, they were unable to find the asking price. Fortunately, landowners Mostyn Estates stepped in to buy the property, and with the help of grant funding the trustees were recently able to buy Arvon Villa.

Trustees’ chairman, Roy Haley said: “The property came on the open market in 2015, and if Mostyn Estates hadn’t stepped in to secure it on the museum’s behalf, it would have gone to a private buyer.”

The museum expansion plans were drawn up some time ago, and in addition to more exhibition space, include a community facility which will provide a meeting room for local organisations as an education centre for visiting school groups, as well as improved disabled access, and a passenger lift.

Mr Haley added: “Mostyn Estates have held the property for the Trust until we were able to obtain the funding. With the grants from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and support from the Welsh Government, the museum has now secured the funding, and we were able to purchase the lease from Mostyn Estates and start the major redevelopment of the museum.

“The inclusion of Arvon Villa was a critical component of the museums redevelopment as it enables the museum to have ownership of the whole block and it also provides 25 % additional space.

Mostyn Estates managing director, Edward Hillier said they were happy to have helped the re-development of the museum to progress. He commented:

“Visitors to Llandudno, and residents, need a high quality and engaging museum experience to help tell the town’s story. Mostyn Estates have financially supported the expansion and refurbishment plans for this very reason. The museum project group have spent a number of years working on this and should be congratulated for their achievement to date. We really look forward to seeing this vital new addition to the town’s offer when it opens in 2020.”